I have appreciated not only these responses, but the many comments on our website and in emails I have received. Some of the concerns expressed result from my having only three pages to lay out a theology of church and poverty, others from a simple difference of opinion.

First, as many readers noted, I failed to clarify that the way government substantially impacts poverty is by freeing up business to create jobs for the poor, and goods and services that the newly employed can now buy (which, in turn, creates more jobs and goods and services, and so on). Government may be clumsy at business, but it is certainly the institution with the sweep and power to encourage and regulate business for the common good.

Second, some respondents seemed to think I was arguing that the church's unique role is its only role. But take this example: In my home, I am uniquely gifted as a handyman, moderately skilled ...

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